It maybe doesn't sound very exciting, but sustainable transport choices can have a profound impact on us and our environment. Our reliance on cars is increasing air pollution and CO2 emissions and means we are increasingly inactive, negatively affecting our health

Sustrans are the UK’s leading charity enabling people to choose healthier, cleaner and cheaper journeys. Their aim is that by 2020, 4 out of 5 journeys are made by bike, foot or public transport.

How can we help them achieve this?

Cycling

The University provides a cycle hire scheme at £50 for a bike, lights and lock for any length of time as long as they are returned by the following June. This could be an affordable way to access cycling to uni if you don't own your own bike or would rather not bring it from home. Our Cumbrian and Lancaster campuses provide bike stores, many of which are locked on the Carlisle and Lancaster campuses. Pop into reception to sign up for access to locked stores.

The University have put together a guide to routes around Carlisle by bike and foot and provide information about cycling around Lancaster on their website.

Cycling is great way to get active and travel from A to B without negatively impacting on our environment. That said, it’s important to be safe! We recommend you take some to time to explore Sustrans’ guidance for cyclists before you set off for the first time.

Walking

Walking is a free and simple way to make short journeys and increase your physical activity. It's also great combined with other modes of transport – why not get the bus and hop off a stop earlier?

Public transport

Public transport emissions are six to eight times lower per passenger than car journeys, so public transport is a great option if walking or cycling is not practical on its own.

All of our campuses are near bus routes, and details of local service providers can be found on the University’s website.

Trains are also an option – Carlisle, Lancaster and London are all near train or DLR stations. Ambleside is just over four miles from the station at Windermere, so why not take the bike and challenge yourself to ride up that hill to campus!

Car sharing

If you need to travel by car why not see if you can combine journeys with friends or course mates? The University has a car share facility if you want to offer or look for a lift.

Want to know more? Why not take a look at our Eco Module - it has a whole section on transport!